Irn-Bru maker AG Barr has announced plans to close its facility in Wales which will result in the loss of at least 40 jobs.

Barr has today launched a consultation process with the 67 employees employed at the Tredegar plant, which produces the Rubicon range of exotic juice drinks.

Production will move to Barr's £20 million facility in Milton Keynes

The company said it will “do everything possible to support those affected throughout the process”.

Barr added: “Where possible, employees will be offered the opportunity to relocate to Milton Keynes.”

Barr has also announced today it plans to expand its Milton Keynes facility with a new £4 million investment and anticipates “up to 27 new jobs will be created in Milton Keynes as a result of this transfer”.

The £4 million investment – including £2 million in capital cost - will “support current demand and provide future capacity and flexibility for this core packaging format, principally associated with the Rubicon and KA juice drink brands”.

Cumbernauld-based Barr said the latest investment for the site follows a “comprehensive review of existing operations”.

Barr said further information on the financial impact of the proposals will be given at the conclusion of the consultation process.